I’d like to know where Epic stands on some of the following examples of earning revenue outside of game sales or in-game sales, and whether or not they would count as royalty-free. Specifically, I’d like clarification on their use of the term “in-game benefits.”
In these examples, I am strictly talking about a game that will be, or is released, entirely free to access, with no in-game purchases and ad-free.
From what I understand, royalties only apply towards game sales, and in-game benefits. Receiving money out of appreciation for works is entirely royalty-free. However, what about receiving money on the premise of future features or updates, which would be released entirely free-to-everyone? What if you accept money for specific feature requests to be added into the game, entirely free-to-everyone? Does that count as an “in-game benefit?”
There are a few scenarios where this might be the case. People using Patreon, or perhaps their own solution for tracking feature requests. Maybe even allowing people to attach a note to their donations.
A bigger scenario would be a Kickstarter project. From what I understand, you only owe royalties for the game and possible in-game values that you offer. So what if the Kickstarter was for the development of an entirely free game, with stretch goals on the promise of implementing a feature if it reaches a high enough funding?
Paying for a feature to be added or further development of a game, I can see this being viewed as an “in-game benefit.” I understand Epic’s use of the term is probably not meant to be interpreted that way as opposed to an already in-game benefit or purchase. However, “probably” doesn’t really work well in legal issues, and I would like clarification on whether or not any of these scenarios would be royalty-free.